DRINK-drivers could claim another two lives in Calderdale if the area's typical grim toll continues.

A further eight could end up seriously injured, say road safety experts.

The Calderdale figures are typical of the injuries caused by drink drivers on the area's roads each year. A further 50 people are slightly hurt.

Police and road safety campaigners are pleading with people not to drink and drive to avoid the tragedies.

Thousands of posters warning about the aftermath of drink driving are being distributed by Calderdale Council.

Road safety officer Peter Shepherdson said: "The party season encourages people to drink, but if they are drivers this can have disastrous consequences.

"Nearly half the casualties are entirely innocent victims who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Young men and, increasingly, young women are the main culprits, but no age group is free from drink drivers."

Calderdale road safety spokes- man Clr David Kirton said: "Passengers are warned never to get in the car of a person who has been drinking.

"If they cannot be persuaded not to drive, they should be reported to the police for their own safety and that of others.

"Drink driving is a deliberate offence - just like murder.

"No-one should sit back and condone drinkers getting behind the wheel. They risk jail, a heavy fine, a driving ban with the possible loss of their jobs and things get a lot worse if they kill or cripple someone."